a primitive root; to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety); be (make) afraid, be careful, discomfit, fray (away), quake, tremble.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chârad**, represented by `{{H2729}}`, is a primitive root used to describe a powerful physical and emotional reaction. Its core meaning is to shudder with terror, but it also encompasses concepts like fearing, quaking, trembling, being careful or anxious, and even to discomfit or fray away. It appears **39 times** across **39 unique verses** in the Bible, illustrating a range of intense responses to both divine and human events.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H2729}}` is used in several significant contexts. It frequently describes the overwhelming awe and terror experienced in the presence of God's power. At Mount Sinai, the sound of the trumpet caused all the people in the camp to **tremble** [[Exodus 19:16]], and the mountain itself **quaked** greatly at the LORD's descent [[Exodus 19:18]]. Conversely, the absence of this fear is a key feature of God's promised blessing of peace, as seen in the recurring assurance that His people will lie down and "none shall make them **afraid**" ([[Leviticus 26:6]], [[Ezekiel 34:28]], [[Micah 4:4]]). The word can also denote anxious care, as when Elisha noted that the Shunammite woman had "been **careful** for us" [[2 Kings 4:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of fear and security:
* `{{H2731}}` **chărâdâh**: This is the feminine noun form of the root, meaning **fear, anxiety, quaking, or trembling**. It is often used alongside `{{H2729}}` to intensify the meaning, as when Isaac **trembled** `{{H2729}}` very exceedingly, with a great **trembling** `{{H2731}}` [[Genesis 27:33]].
* `{{H3372}}` **yârêʼ**: This primitive root means **to fear** or morally, **to revere**. It is often used in commands where God tells His people not to be afraid, distinguishing a general fear from the specific, promised state of security where none can make them **afraid** `{{H2729}}` [[Jeremiah 30:10]].
* `{{H7264}}` **râgaz**: Meaning **to quiver** with violent emotion, this word for trembling is used to describe the earth itself quaking during a moment of God-sent panic [[1 Samuel 14:15]].
* `{{H8252}}` **shâqaṭ**: As an antonym, this word means **to repose** or **be quiet**. It is used to describe the state of peace that is the opposite of being afraid; Jacob is promised he will return and "be in **rest**" `{{H8252}}`, with none to make him **afraid** `{{H2729}}` [[Jeremiah 46:27]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2729}}` is demonstrated through its various applications:
* **The Awe of Divine Majesty:** The word describes a visceral, physical response to the manifestation of God's holy power. People [[Exodus 19:16]], elders [[1 Samuel 16:4]], and even the earth itself [[Exodus 19:18]] **quake** or **tremble** before Him, signifying His supreme authority.
* **The Promise of Covenantal Security:** A recurring prophetic theme is that in the era of restoration, God's people will dwell in safety where "none shall make them **afraid**" [[Zephaniah 3:13]]. This ultimate peace is a direct result of God's presence and protection.
* **The Terror of Judgment:** The word is used for the fear experienced by God's enemies or those under a curse. This can be the terror of a doomed army [[1 Samuel 14:15]], the fear that leads to being "discomfited" [[Judges 8:12]], or the threat that carcasses will be eaten with none to "**fray them away**" [[Deuteronomy 28:26]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2729}}` is a dynamic term that conveys more than simple fear. It captures a deep, physical shuddering that can stem from the terrifying holiness of God, the anxiety of a guilty conscience, or the panic of battle. Its most profound use, however, may be in its negation, where the promise that "none shall make them **afraid**" becomes a powerful symbol of the perfect peace and rest found only in the security of God.
TRV